FLORIDABLANCA -- The Operation Tulong Express of SM Foundation Inc. (SMFI) assisted more than 5,000 quake-affected families of in Porac and Floridablanca towns over the weekend.
The relief distribution was conducted in coordination with SM Cares and SM Supermalls, in partnership with SM Savemore and Supermarket and with the support of Department Social Welfare & Development (DSWD) Central Luzon.
As one of the first responders during the earthquake, Operation Tulong Express gave immediate assistance to affected families in identified barangays in Porac, Floridablanca, Bataan and Zambales.
The volunteer team was headed by Livelihood & Outreach Programs assistant vice president Cristie Angeles with SM malls employee volunteers in Pampanga headed by Aaron Montenegro and Kay Chua, Dale Parungao and Venus Manalang of SM Clark, Ana Azucena and Ninette Mortel of SM Olongapo, Lana Erroba of SM San Fernando Downtown, Bong Garcia and Bernadette Bautista of SM Telabastagan and Thelma Mangubat of SM Tarlac. The distribution of Kalinga Packs consist of four bottled mineral water, two packs of rice, five canned-goods and four instant cup noodles.
In close coordination with Porac Municipal Social Welfare Officer Jhoanne Arcega, they identified priority families whose homes are badly hit by the earthquake. Known barangays in Porac are Pio, Planas, Manibaug Pasig, Babo Pangulo, Mancatian, Cangatba, Sta Cruz, Manibaug Paralaya, Jalung, Palat, Babo Sasan, Sepung Bulaon, Balubad, Pias, Salu, Hacienda Dolores and Manibaug Libutad. SMFI also responded in Subic, Barangay San Marcelino in Zambales, Abucay and Hermosa in Bataan.
Moreover, other services offered through SM Foundation Inc. Health and Medical team headed by Dr. Bles Bertos and Dalfhen Samson, provided medical care of X-ray services at Jose S. Lapid District Hospital.
Likewise, partner BDO Foundation Inc. initiated its disaster response program through relief operation in barangays of Sapang Uwak, Inararo, Diaz and Villa Maria in Porac and Barangay San Ramon and Nabuclod in Floridablanca.